Michael A. “Mike” Casper, 56, Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 16, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

One of five children, Mike was born on Nov. 22, 1964, in Wabash to Lawrence A. “Larry” and Sharon Kay (Cormany) Casper.

After graduating from Manchester High School in 1983, Mike married Kimberly Kaye “Kim” Creager on Aug. 23, 1986. The two began dating when Mike was 18 and were wed for 34 years. After their wedding, Mike and Kim moved to the Mentone/Rochester area where Mike became a member of Indiana Freemasons Masonic Lodge 576, Mentone, Indiana.

For the last 38 years, Mike worked for MPS Egg Farms, most recently as Director of Service. He was proud of the fact that he could say he only ever received a paycheck from one place.

Mike was a family man and dad, first and foremost, who enjoyed coaching his children in various sports. His children were his best friends and he enjoyed teaching them lessons in hunting, sports, and life like being humble and passionate. Mike had high expectations for his children and expected them to live their lives with integrity. “Pap Mike”, as his grandchildren called him, loved being with his grandkids. To his wife, children, and family, Mike was the best and was always there for anyone who needed him. Mike’s caring nature didn’t stop at his family, though, as he had a great love for his dogs as well. To Mike, they were more than pets.

Mike loved to hunt deer, which was more of a passion for him than a hobby. He enjoyed working for the upcoming deer season and making sure everything was ready to go. Mike loved teaching his grandchildren to hunt as well. He found joy in sharing something he loved with them and watching them enjoy it for themselves.

The loving memory of Mike Casper will be forever cherished by his mother, Sharon Casper, North Manchester; wife, Kim Casper, Rochester; son, Blake (Emily) Casper, Rochester; daughter, Corinna Kaye (Tyler) Bruner, Rochester; brothers, Mark (Sage) Casper, North Manchester, Gary (Yvonne) Casper, East Troy, Wisc., and Adam (Angie) Casper, North Manchester; sister, Kristi (Dan) Renz, North Manchester; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Larry Casper, who passed away on Oct.10, 2020.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 at 10 a.m.

Burial will be held at Mentone Cemetery, South Morgan Street, Mentone, at a later date. Pastor Hedgel “Lee” Perry will officiate.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Mike A. Casper, memorial contributions may be made to Mad Anthony’s Children’s Hope House, 7922 West Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804.

Due to the CDC and Wabash County Health Department mandates, masks are required

The family of Mike A. Casper has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.

Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com